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Men’s Classic Pea Coat in Coated Canvas

What man (or woman, for that matter) wouldn’t like to own a waxed canvas pea coat?

Waxed canvas outerwear is all the rage these days. But as someone who has owned waxed bags, I have found that they can feel oily and attract lint. Could I find a good substitute?

On the third floor of Mood Fabrics NYC I found a dark brown coated cotton canvas made in Italy. I don’t know what it’s coated with—it feels a bit like oil paint but it isn’t stiff or heavy and you can still see the weave of the canvas. It’s waterproof and easy to handle and it stands up to pressing. It seemed perfect for an outerwear project. Editor’s note: We have some waxed and coated fabrics online here; you can also call either of our stores to check on what we have in stock there. The amount of waterproof and water-repellant fabrics we can have on hand varies greatly, so if you ever see one you like, grab it even if you don’t have any immediate plans for use.

I recently purchased a copy of a popular Japanese men’s coat pattern book. It has many classic coat patterns in it; however it’s entirely in Japanese. I chose the pea coat pattern and did my best working from the diagrams and my own experience making outerwear.

The coat has two double welt side pockets, buttoned sleeve tabs, and a notched collar. I added two inside breast pockets for a wallet and sunglasses. For lining, I used a soft cotton flannel check from Mood, and for the sleeves I chose a smooth rayon lining.

Here’s the result:

This coat is a bit lightweight for the coldest winter days, but it’s ideal for layering. It closely resembles waxed canvas and, in a certain light, even leather! I know it’s going to serve me well.

My next challenge is to make a similar coat in wool tweed. But first, I have the holidays ahead, which means a few well-earned days off from sewing.

Comments

Karen Ailsworth KinzerNovember 26, 2013

That’s gorgeous! It fits you so well. Glad to see the finished product.
So, about those photos…did you spend hours traveling in NYC? the backgrounds are so varied and interesting. My favorite thing about them is the bits of fall colors scattered troughout, like the tail end of the taxi in the photo 4th from the end.

Wow, this is fabulous. I love the fabric choice, and the classic peacoat look is just gorgeous in a fabric that’s a little less bulky than the usual. I can see why you used a pattern from that book– I was flipping through it in Kinokuniya the other day and was completely inspired. Beautiful work!

Peter – you’re gorgeous!!! I LOVE this coat. So beautifully made. And it suits your style perfectly. Well done.

Barbara DobreeNovember 26, 2013

Well done Peter. How would you clean the coat? Now I think you need Sarai’s new canvas backpack or messenger bag to go with it from Colette Patterns. A good match and an accessory to sew for a change. Looks good and you’re right it almost does look like leather in some of the photos.

That coat is brilliant! Fabulous fit and I love the fabric and classic style. I wasn’t sure I was going to love it when reading your ealier posts, particularly the fabric, but now I think I need to go give it a go for my hubby.

Oh, this looks soooo cool! I LOVE this. Wow. This is definetely one of my favourite makes from you.
Suits you so well!! Beautiful pics too, and the perfect cap.
You’ve outdone yourself, congratulations

That coat is awesome!!!!! It looks great on you!!!. My son and daughter would love one. I may need to buy the book. I love that at times it looks like leather.

CurryNovember 28, 2013

A-maa-zing.

Love menswear. Just a stunning finished coat and the inside!!!? It’s awesome.

KristinaNovember 29, 2013

Wonderful result! How did you draw the pattern pieces? Are there clues for enlarging the drawings in the book? I have a couple Japanese books but haven’t figured out how to make the patterns. Maybe draw on the fabric??? You made so many great choices on this coat! The flannel lining is a great combination with the lighter shell, looks perfectly comfy and versatile too.

OMG!! Peter, it’s lovely! I think this is my favorite thing you’ve ever made. And the photography is really fantastic. You’re givine Cathy a run for her money on this one and that’s not an easy thing to do!